Los Angeles (Cal.) City Work by J. W. McCord; A. S. Booth

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 15, 1912

Los Angeles (Cal.) City Work

By J. W. McCord; A. S. Booth

WHILE the McNamara trial brought Los Angeles somewhat prominently before the world, it takes more than a great crime to make a great city. Los Angeles is rapidly becoming such a city. The picturesque tokens of her pueblo birth are swiftly being displaced by skyscrapers, and tourists are flocking here by thousands.

The Lord is calling upon his people to work the cities, and we have found that he will bless those who undertake this work. Eighteen months ago, the writer, with others, began tent-meetings in South Los Angeles. During this time, our company held four tent efforts, and preached to a congregation that must have averaged fully 225 each evening. Our total expense for five tent efforts was about $1,950, and the donations for the same period amounted to more than $2,000.

As a result of the eighteen months' work, this tent company is able to report one hundred new Sabbath-keepers baptized and added to the church. In addition to this, there are a number from the last effort yet to be baptized. This brought about the organization of the eighth church in Los Angeles, with a present membership of 115. Two months ago this church began to build, and it now has a neat church in which to hold services.

Methods of Work

Little need be said about our methods of work, as the same methods, no doubt, are being followed by our brethren elsewhere in the States. What we depend upon largely for results is up-to-date advertising, regularly and faithfully done; sermons not too long, but right to the point; house-to-house visiting; the cooperation of our people; and last but not least, the drawing power of a clean tent, pleasantly arranged. All this, of course, would be barren of results without the blessing of the Lord, and to him we ascribe all the glory. Surely the Lord has blessed us in our work, and we earnestly desire to be faithful to our trust.

New Work

The conference has recently moved into new quarters in the heart of the city. From this center we hope to reach the whole city.

Meetings have been held in the new hall, which is centrally located, for nearly two weeks. On an average, about 230 adults are in attendance. The interest is good.

We earnestly ask the REVIEW family to pray for the work in this great city, and especially that the Lord may use us to his glory this winter in the salvation of souls. J. W. McCORD, A. S. BOOTH.